budgie vs cockatiel

Question
We are looking to get a pet bird and I am trying make the budgie vs cockatiel decision. The bird will be my 10 yo daughter's (but , of course, I will have ultimate responsibility). She is very mature, would read 24 hours a day if I let her, and is looking for a bird that would be fun, enjoy being handled and a fair amount of interaction, might hang out on her while she reads and could learn some whistles or a few words. We have four kids and a pretty busy household. Thoughts on budgie vs cockatiel?

Answer
Well, Nancy, I could lie to you and tell you that I don't have any preference, and that it's not the type of bird but the personality of the bird that counts.  However, as President of the North American Cockatiel Society, I have to tell you that a cockatiel would be my number one pick for your daughter.  I, too, have a 10 year old daughter, and at her age, a cockatiel is a perfect bird.  Not just any cockatiel, though...a handfed cockatiel raised by a conscientious breeder.  In a store, a cockatiel will go for around $130, but at a breeder, they will probably be over $150.  Be sure she can handle the bird without it biting her, and be sure it will allow her to scritch its head.  

Cockatiels love active households, so it sounds like the perfect bird for you!

Good luck,

Cindy